United States Backs Direct Talks Between India and Pakistan Amidst Bilateral Strain

In a positive development, the United States has expressed its support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan to address their concerns. This comes amid continued strain in bilateral relations between the two South Asian neighbors.

The US has long maintained its position of advocating for direct talks between India and Pakistan on issues of concern, according to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, recently proposed "conditional talks" with India, emphasizing the importance of resolving serious matters through dialogue.

Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties with India in 2019 following India's decision to revoke the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir, a move that further escalated tensions between the two countries.

The status of Kashmir has been a longstanding dispute between the two nations, leading to multiple armed conflicts in the past. India, on its part, has reiterated its stance that a normalization of relations is only possible if Pakistan puts an end to its support for cross-border terrorism.

India firmly asserts that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and will always remain so. In June, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism cannot be normalized, and it cannot form the basis for any discussions with Pakistan.

While Pakistan's proposal for talks has been welcomed by the US, the success of any dialogue depends on both parties being willing participants. The former foreign secretary of Pakistan, Aizaz Chaudhry, noted that both countries need to be on the same page regarding the holding of talks on contentious issues.

Without the willingness of India to engage in dialogue, a breakthrough seems unlikely in the near future. It is important to note that the region has been impacted by previous conflicts and ongoing animosity, resulting in increased poverty and affecting the well-being of the people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need for economic competition rather than confrontation, pointing out the risks involved in a nuclear confrontation. He has called on India to understand these risks and work towards peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

While the US support for direct talks between India and Pakistan is a positive development, it remains to be seen whether both countries can bridge their differences and engage in a meaningful dialogue. As the region grapples with economic challenges and security threats, the need for peaceful resolutions and cooperative efforts becomes even more crucial.